Letter: Democrats should vote in presidential primary

Gina BurrellSt. Augustine

Published Friday, November 02, 2007

Editor: I want to urge all Democrats in St. Johns County to go to the polls and vote for the Democratic presidential candidate of their choice on Jan. 29. This will be the most important presidential election in our lifetime. It is your constitutional right to vote, or you will be disenfranchised.

Many Democrats may not know this fact, but some Florida Democratic legislators tried to attach an amendment to the Florida bill that changed the presidential primary election date from Feb. 5 to Jan. 29. Their amendment would have changed the date back to Feb. 5.

The Republican-led majority removed that amendment. (This bill also did away with the infamous Touchscreen electronic voting machines, and gave us back the Optical Scan machines.)

The legislature, by changing the date to Jan. 29, felt they wanted Florida to be more relevant in choosing the presidential candidates. This election date change has caused a lot of consternation, especially for Democrats, because of the problems that have ensued with the Democratic National Committee.

I hope all Democrats will not feel demoralized/disenchanted and not go to the polls on Jan. 29. I am sure that the votes of Florida Democrats will be counted. Also, the Florida Democratic delegates (210) will be counted at the Democratic Convention.

I have heard from the St. Johns County supervisor of elections that at the Presidential Primary election, early voting will be Jan. 14 through Jan. 26.

Voters will be happy to learn that our reliable Optical Scan machines, with a paper ballot, will be used. Only one Touchscreen machine at each site will be available for the handicapped. Optical Scan machines are to be used in all 67 counties by Nov. 4.